Remote radio control



Nov. 13, 1945., K. A. KQPETZKY REMOTE RADIO CONTROL Filed Oct. 18, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheetl civ f5 To PULSE? 1,

NPL11-AND LINE 52 ATTORNEY K. A. KOPETZKY REMOTE RADIO CONTROL Nov. 13, 1945.

Filed Oct. 18, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 www Si xfa mwN mwN SR ATTORNEY NOV. 13, 1945. K` A KOPETZKY @3889748 REMOTE RADIO CONTROL Filed Oct. 18, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheff( 3 dal .9

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DE TEC 7' d@ Two' @5MM -fSY 7740 ,QELKS BY 7 a j if/Mal@ ATTO Fl N EY Patented Nov. 13, 1945 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE REMOTE RADIO CONTROL Karl A. Kopctzky, Chicago, lll.

Application October 18, 1940, Serial No. 361,654

(Cl. Z50-10) 12 Claims.

This invention relates to the radio-control, for instance, of mobile vehicles. More particularly the invention is concerned with the remote radio-control of automobiles, submarines, aviation torpedoes, torpedoes of the marine type, aircraft and the like.

Devices for the remote control of models of mobile vehicles by radio have been known heretofore. However, it has been possible to control the steering mechanism of a vehicle, in certain predetermined sequences only. For example if the rudder of a model airplane were set half-right and if it was desired to set the rudder half-left, it has been necessary heretofore to set the rudder first to full right, then to half-right, then to center and iinally to half-left. In other words, it was always necessary to set the rudder or any steering mechanism at first to a predetermined normal position and from this normal or rest position the lrudder could be set to the desired new position. This procedure is time consuming, complicated and fails to provide full and easy control for complicated maneuvers.

In accordance with my invention, this drawback and others inherent'with prior devices are removed. My invention makes it possible to set, for example, the rudder from the full right position immediately to the half right position without moving the rudder first to an intermediate normal or rest position. It is also possible to set the rudder or any other steering mechanism to any desired and predetermined number of positions. This object is achieved by using two different radio frequency transmissions for every steering mechanism to be controlled. One of the two radio frequencies transmission serves to move the mechanism to be controlled in one predetermined direction, while the other radio frequency transmission is used to move the steering mechanism in the opposite direction. Thus, by selectively producing a signal of one of the two predetermined frequencies used, it becomes possible to move the steering mechanism of the mobile vehicle a certain predetermined distance in a selected direction.

In accordance with my invention, a ground radio control or transmitting station is used which, by means of radio frequency oscillators and radio frequency amplifiers, produces a signal of predetermined radio frequencies. For every steering mechanism to be controlled two radio frequency generators are used. By selectively operating one of the two radio frequency generators used for each of the steering mechanisms a wave train of a predetermined length is produced. In

order to operate the radio frequency generator for a predetermined length of time and so produce a wave train or signal of predetermined length a novel contact switch or puiser control is provided. A control stick or switch serves to select and to operate one oi the radio frequency oscillators.

The thus produced wave train is received, detected, and rectified in the vehicle or aircraft to be controlled. The vehicle is provided with one or more antennae serving to receive one of the signals of a different radio Jfrequency produced by the ground station. The received radio signal is rectified and causes the energization of a sensitive but light relay, The sensitive relay in turn through a heavier relay actuates one of two ar.. matures provided for each steering mechanism to be controlled. These two armatures are adapted to rotate a friction braked stepped wheel in two opposite directions.

The stepped wheel is provided with a predetermined number of contacts which correspond to the number of positions to which the steering mechanism is to be set. The contacts of the stepped wheel cooperate with fixed contacts and are adapted to close electric circuits including a current source and a number oi solenoids. By selectively energizing one of these solenoids the steering mechanism is controlled by means of a longitudinally displaceable magnetic core attracted by the energized solenoid. Accordingly, by rotating the stepped wheel the selected solenoid is energized and the steering mechanism of a vehicle may thus be controlled.

It is an important feature of this invention that my novel remote radio control will also operate with non-static vehicles. Heretofore it has been necessary to mechanically balance a model airplane to be controlled. In other words, the airplane to be controlled had to ily in a level straight course when all the steering mechanisms thereof were set to their inoperative positions. With my novel remote radio control it is possible to control also non-static airplanes because the steering mechanisms can be set to any desired value to cause the aircraft to y in a level straight course.

It is, accordingly, an object of the invention to provide a new and improved remote radio-control for the operation of mobile vehicles, such as torpedoes and aircraft.

It is another object of the invention to provide for a remote radio control of multiple steering mechanism of mobile vehicles or aircraft, by using two radio frequency transmissions for each steering mechanism to be controlled.

It is still an object of the invention to provide a novel method for the remote radio control of vehicles or aircraft which will operate also with non-static vehicles.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel contact mechanism for a pulser control used with the ground radio transmitting station to produce a radio signal of a predetermined length.

It is still an object of the invention to provide a friction braked wheel which is selectively rotated in either of two directions of rotation by two different radio signals, said wheel controlling a steering mechanism of a vehicle or aircraft.

It is another object of the invention to provide.

for the remote radio control of a control device in any fixed type of vehicle wherein the control device is to be moved in a horizontal or vertical linear plane.

It is still a further object of the invention to convert a radio impulse as received, into a linear movement of a device to be controlled, and to move the controlled device in that linear direction in a predetermined manner and in either of two directions.

Although I have shown and described certain specific embodiments of my invention, I am fully aware that many modifications thereof are feasible. My invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except insofar as is necessitated by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

These and further objects of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, taken in connection with the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the radio transmitting apparatus used for the remote control of any steering mechanism for vehicles.

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of a control stick adapted to selectively energize either one of two radio frequency oscillators.

Fig. 3 is a section taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a front elevational View of a contact apparatus and associated parts serving to energize the selected radio frequency generator and to produce a radio signal of predetermined length.

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of the receiving station and associated mechanisms used for operating a control surface of an airplane.

Fig. 6 is a front elevational View of a friction braked stepped wheel serving to selectively connect one of a plurality of solenoids with a current source in order to shift a rudder controlling magnet core.

Fig. 7 is a sectional View taken on the line 1 1 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is an elevational view partly in section of the rudder controlling magnetic core.

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of a receiving station used for controlling two maneuvering mechanisms.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, a schematic electric current diagram of the radio transmitting station is shown in Fig. l. The transmitting station comprises two switch mechanisms shown schematically and designated with III and II. Fingers I2 and I3 of switch mechanism I0 and II respectively are connected with the positive pole of a battery Ill which may be connected to ground at I5. Switches 8 and 9 are interposed between switch mechanism Il), I2 and pulser I8, and between switch mechanism II, Il and pulser I1, respectively. Switch mechanism I0, I2 connects battery I4 with pulser I6 when switch 8 is closed, while contact mechanism I I, I3 connects battery I4 with pulser I1 in case switch 9 is closed. The switch mechanism comprising elements I0, I2 and Il, I3 as well as switches 8, 3 is shown in Figs. 2 and 3, while one of the two pulsers I6, I1 being both of the same construction is shown in greater detail in Fig. 4.

As will be explained more in detail hereinafter, pulser I6 and pulser I'I serve to close a circuit connection which causes radio frequency oscillators I8 and I9, respectively, to be energized. Radio frequency oscillators I8 and I9 serve to generate radio waves of different frequencies. Radio frequency oscillator I8 is coupled to radio frequency amplifier 20, while radio frequency oscillator I9 is coupled to radio frequency amplifier 2I. Ampliiiers 20 and 2| may each consist of a pentode and associated circuits and serve to amplify the Waves generated by oscillators I8 and I9, respectively. The radio signals produced by oscillator I8 and amplified by amplifier 20 are coupled to antenna 22 which transmits the generated radio frequency signal. The radio signal of a different frequency produced by oscillator I9 and amplified by amplifier 2| is coupled to antenna 23 transmitting the signal.

The control stick shown in Figs. 2 and 3 serves to selectively connect the battery I 4 with either pulser I6 or with pulser I1. The control stick comprises a handle 25 rotatably mounted in bearing 26 arranged in cross-shaped member 21. An

insulating material such as rubber or Bakelite indicated at 28 is interposed between handle 25 and bearing 26 to prevent the current from flowing directly from handle 25 to cross-shaped member 21. Wire 64 is connected with the input of pulser I6 as shown in Fig. 1. Handle 25 is provided with two insulated contact elements 3| and 33 which are adapted to cooperate with insulated contact elements 32 and 34 provided on the crossshaped member 21. Contact elements 3i, 32 and 33, 3d correspond to switches 8 and 9 respectively. Wire 45 connects contact element 33 with the input of pulser I1 as indicated in Fig. 1. Member 21 is rotatably arranged in pivot 35 mounted in any suitable way not shown in the drawings. The free end of member 21 is provided with two lugs 36 and 31. Lugs 36 and 31 are provided with insulated contact members 38 and 40, respectively. Contact members 38 and 40 cooperate with a plurality of contact members 39 and 4I arranged on base plate 43 on a segment of a circle. 'Ihe two lugs 36 and 31 are fastened on member 21 by bolts 42. Contact member 32 is electrically connected with contact member 38 on lug 36 by means of wire 46, while contact member 34 is connected by wire 41 with contact member 40 on lug 31 illustrated in Fig. 3. Leads 46 and d1 are also shown in Fig. l. All the contact elements 39 arranged on base plate 43 are insulated and are connected with each other by wire 30. Wire 30 connects one of the pulsers I 6 or I1 with the positive pole oi battery III as shown in Fig. 1. The second row of Contact members 6I on base plate 43 are insulated from base plate.43 and are also connected with each other by wire 30.

By gripping handle 25 ofthe control stick and rocking the same about pivot 26 either contacts 33 and 34 or contacts 3i and 32 may be connected by means of wire 30 with battery I II. When handle 25 is rocked in a clockwise direction contact member 3| engages with contact member 32 and thus battery I4 is connected through one `of the contact members 39 and contact member 33 with puiser I6. By the rocking movement of handle 25 cross-shaped member 21 is also rotated in a clockwise direction about pivot 35. Therefore, contact 38 on lug 36 is moved in a clockwise direction to engage the next contact element 39.

By rocking handle 25 in a counterclockwise direction the contact between contact members 3I and 32 is broken, while contact members 33 and 34 connect battery I4 with puiser I1. By this counterclockwise rocking movement of handle 25 cross-shaped member 21 is also rocked in a counterclockwise direction thus engaging contact member 40 with the next contact member 4I on base plate 43.

Thus it will be .evident that by a rocking movement of handle 25 either in a clockwise or in a counterclockwise direction either puiser I6 or puiser I1 will be connected with battery I4. t the same time, the rocking movement of cross member 21 caused by the rocking movement of handle 25 moves contacts 38 and 40 either in a clockwise or in a counterclockwise direction depending upon the movement of handle 25. Hence, the position of the control stick will indicate at every moment the corresponding position of the rudder to be controlled.

The pulsers I6 or I1 indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 1 have both the same construction. One of the two puisers is shown in greater detail in Fig. 4. Solenoid 5U is connected by wire 5l to one pole of a current source, while wire 52 connects the solenoid with either wires 44 or 45 of Figs. 1 and 2 as the case may be. Wire 5i is connected with ground I5 and the negative pole of battery I4 as illustrated in Fig. l. lTherefore, every time a contact is made between contact elements 3i, 32 or 33, 34 either puiser I6 or puiser I1 is energized by energizing solenoid 58. Plunger 53 is slidably arranged within solenoid 50. Plunger 53 consists of a non-magnetic right hand part 54 and of a magnetic core 55. rIhe nonmagnetic part of plunger 53 may, e. g., consist of brass, while the magnetic core 55 may consist of iron or any suitable magnetizable alloy. Spring 55 is arranged between ange 51 of plunger 58 and front wall 58 of coil 50. Spring 55 tends to normally keep the iron section 55 of plunger 53 out of coil 50. Angle lever ISD having a, vertically arranged arm 6I and a horizontally arranged arm 62 is rotatable about pivot 63. Spring 64 fastened on lever arm 6I and on front piece 55 of coil 5I] pulls lever 50 against stop 86. Rod 6l weighted at its end with a heavy metal portion 68 is loosely connected with lever arm 62 by lugs 1li. Spring 1l xed on lever arm 62 and on rod 61 tends to pull hammer lever B1 against lever arm 62. Contact element 12 provided at the end of rod 61 is connected by wire 69 with a suitable current source not shown in the drawings. Lead 69 connects the output of puiser I6 to the input of oscillator I8 as indicated in Fig. i. Contact mem ber 12 is adapted to cooperate with contact member 13 arranged on ledge 14. Contact member 13 is connected by means of wire 15 with the other pole of the current source to connect puiser I6 with oscillator I8.

When coil 50 is energized by the actuation of the control stick shown in Figs, 2 and 3, core 55 is pulled into coil 50. This movement causes the right hand end of plunger 53 to impact upon lever arm AIiI which is thereupon rotated in a counterclockwise direction and against the action of spring 64. Lever arm 6I now assumes the positio shown in dotted lines. The movement of loosely attached hammer lever 61, however, continues beyond the movement of lever arm 62 shown in dotted lines. This ls due to the inertia increased by the heavy weighted portion 58 of hammer lever 61. Thus hammer lever 61 is caused to swing into a position wherein contact member 12 impinges upon contact member 13. Accordingly, a contact is made for a short predetermined period of time because spring 1I will immediately pull lever 61 against lever arm 62. This particular construction of the puiser shown in Fig. 4 insures that a single electro-magnetic impulse 'of predetermined time length is created by osciliator I8 or I9 regardless of how long electrical current flows through the solenoid by the actuation of the control stick shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

The electric circuit for the receiving station and associated mechanisms used for controlling a steering apparatus of a vehicle or aircraft is shown diagrammaticaily in Fig. 5. The receiving station comprises one or more antennae; for the sake of simplicity only two antennae 80 and 8| are shown in Fig. 5, although any number of even circuits, depending upon the number oi steering mechanisms to be controlled, may be used. Each of the two antennae 8!!` and 8l and their associated circuits are adapted to receive one of the two radio signals of diierent frequencies generated by the electric circuit shown diagrammatically in Fig. 1.

Antenna 80 is tuned in by variable condenser 82 to one of the radio frequency signals generated by the transmitter shown in Fig. i and coupled to a radio frequency receiver and detector shown schematically at 84. A triode and associated electric elements may be used to detect and rectify the signal received by antenna 80. One of the two outputs of receiver 84 is connected 40 to ground. The other output of receiver 84 is connected to a sensitive relay 86 which in turn is connected with battery 88 through variable resistor 98. Therefore, when a signal is received from the ground station at antenna the signal is rectified and detected, producing a change in plate current of the triode forming a part of the receiver 8d. The change in plate current of the triode oi receiver 84 energizes relay 86 which in turn attracts the contact member of switch Antenna 8i may be tuned in by means of variable condenser 83 to the radio frequency emitted bythe other one of the two radio frequency generators shown in Fig. 1. Radio frequency detector 85 receives and detects the signal received by antenna 8I. One of the outputs of radio frequency receiver 85 is connected to ground, while the other output of radio frequency receiver t5 is connected with a sensitive relay 81. Relay 8i in turn is connected with battery 88 over variable resistor 9i.

It will now be seen that when either receiver 84 or receiver 85 receives a radio signal of a frequency to which it is tuned, either relay 86 or relay 81 will be energized. When relay 85 is energized contacts 92 are closed, while relay 8'? will actuate contacts 93.

One arm of contact 92 is connected by wire 9c with relay 96 which is connected by wire 98 with one pole of battery IBO. The other pole of battery IDI) is connected by wire |02 with the'immovable arm of contact 92. Thus, when relay 55 is energized, contact 92 will be closed and battery |00 energizes relay 96 through connections Sli, 98 and IM. On the other hand, the movable arm of contact 93 is connected by wire 95 with relai,r

` member on support |2|.

01. Relay 97 is also connected through line 03 with one pole of battery |00. The circuit from battery is completed through line |08 connecting battery |00 with the immovable arm of contact 93. Accordingly, the energizing of/relay 81 will close contact 03 and will complete the electric circuit through relay 91 by means of wires 95, 99 and |03.

When relay 96 is energized, armature |04 is attracted and rotates around its pivot |06. 'I'he front end |08 of armature 04 is adapted freely to revolve in a clockwise direction while being prevented by a stop from moving in a counterclockwise direction out of line with armature |04. Armature rotatable about pivot |01 is arranged to be attracted by relay 91 and preferably has a construction similar to the one of armature |04 which therefore need not be explained in detail. a

A stepped wheel ||0 shown in greater detail in Figs. 6 and 7 cooperates with the two armatures 04 and |05. Wheel ||0 is provided on its right hand and left hand sections with steps or teeth and ||2. As shown in Fig. 6 contact plates I3 are arranged adjacent the six upper teeth I, while contact plates ||4 are arranged adjacent the six upper teeth ||2. Wheel ||0 is fixed on shaft ||5 rotatably arranged in support ||6. Toothed wheel is fixed on shaft ||5 and thus revolves with stepped wheel ||0. Wheel ||1 is provided with a plurality of teeth ||8 which are arranged on a section of the outer circumference of wheel ||'l. The number of teeth ||8 on wheel corresponds to the number of teeth or ||2 on wheel H0. An elastic spring wire or rod |20 is fastened at ||9 on a suitable support not shown in the drawings and is journalled in supporting plate 2|. The free end of rod |20 engages with teeth H6 of wheel A spring |22 elastically holds the section of rod |20 between stop H9 and support |2|. Thus when stepped wheel ||0 is rotated in either direction, spring |20 engaging with teeth ||8 prevents stepped wheel ||0 from revolving by more than one tooth i8 at a time. The width of teeth ||8 on wheel ||1 corresponds to the height of the steps I and ||2 in such a manner that when spring |20 engages the next tooth H8, wheel l0 will also revolve by one tooth or H2.

The operation of stepped wheel I0 will now be evident. A signal received, e. g., by antenna 80 energizes sensitive relay 86 which in turn energizes relay 96. Relay 96 will attract armature |04 which is arranged in such a position that it revolves stepped wheel ||0 in a counterclock- Wise direction by one tooth 2. At the same time spring |20 will engage the next tooth H8 of wheel arranged below the preceding tooth. Supports |2| and |23 are both connected by means of wires |24 and |25 with the positive pole of battery |00, as shown more diagrammatically in Fig. 5. Accordingly, when stepped wheel ||0 is revolved in a counterclockwise direction by the action of the signal received by antenna 80, the contact member on support |23 will engage the next contact ||4 arranged above the preceding contact.

Similarly, when a signal is received by antenna 8|, relay 8l is energized which in turn energizes relay 9| attracting armature |05. The rocking movement of armature |05 revolves stepped wheel ||0 by one tooth in a clockwise direction. Accordingly, the contact H3 arranged above the preceding contact now engages with the contact 'I'he movements of stepped wheel ||0 controlled by the radio signals received by antennae and 8| engage contacts ||4 4or I3 with the contacts or supports |23 or |2|, thus completing an electric circuit including battery |00.

It is an important feature of the present in vention that the operation of stepped wheel ||0 and its associated circuits is absolutely foolproof. Due to the particular construction of wheel |0 it can only be rotated in either direction up to its predetermined limit.

For this purpose a large recess |09 is formed above the uppermost tooth as well as above the uppermost tooth ||2 of stepped wheel ||0. When armature |05 is attracted by relay 91, it rotates stepped wheel ||0 step by step in a clockwise direction. When the uppermost tooth has been reached, a further downward movement of armature |05 does not cause a rotation of stepped wheel ||0 due to recess |09. Similarly, when armature |04 is energized and has rotated stepped wheel ||0 to a position engaging the uppermost tooth ||2, the further actuation of armature |04 will not cause further rotation of stepped wheel H0.

The closing of these electric circuits energizes a number of solenoids in a manner to be presently described. 'Ihese solenoids are shown in Figs. 5 and 8 and have been designated with |26, |2|, |26, |29, |30, |3l, |32, |33 and |34. Solenoids |26 to |34 are adapted to energize armature |35. Armature |35 comprises two non-magnetic ends |36 and |31 which may, for instance, consist of brass. Only the magnetic core |36 is attracted by the magnetic eld generated by solenoids |26 to |34. Magnetic core |38extends over the length of one of the solenoids |26 to |34 and in addition each end portion extends over one half of the length of one of the adjacent solenoids |26 to |34, i. e., core |38 has a length corresponding to two of the solenoids |26 to |34. Armature |35 is connected by means of cord |4| with a control surface such as rudder |40 of a vehicle such as an airplane. Instead of the rudder |40 any other steering mechanism of a Vehicle or aircraft may be controlled by the armature |35. Cord |4| is guided over rolls |42.

One end of each of the solenoids |26 to |34 is connected by wires |43 and |44 with the negative pole of battery |00, while the positive pole of battery 00 is connected by means of wires |24 and |25 with the contact members on supports |25 and |2|. The electric circuit through each of the solenoids |26 to |34 will now be controlled through contacts H4 or H3 shown in Fig. 6.

When one of the contacts |46, |47, |48, |49, |50, |5I, |52, |53 and |54 shown in Fig. 5 is connected with the contact on either support |2| or |23, one of the corresponding solenoids |26 to |34 is energized by battery |00. As shown in Fig. 5 the core |38 or armature |35 is attracted by coil |30 because the two contacts |50 are connected with wires |24 and |25 completing the circuit through battery |00. When a signal is received by antenna 80 thus energizing armature |04, stepped wheel ||0 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction and the contact |49 will now be connected with wire |25. Accordingly, solenoid |29 is energized, while coil |30 is deenergized. Therefore, core |38 will move upwards and will rotate control surface |40 in a countercloclrwise direction. On the other hand, when a signal is received by antenna 6| armature |05 is energized to rotate stepped Wheel H0 in a clockwise direction. Now, contact member |5| will be connected by wire |24 with battery |00 to energize coil |3l, while coli |30 will be deenergized. The magnetic eld created by coil |3| will attract core |38 which in turn will rotate control surface |40 in a clockwise direction.

It will now -be evident that by selectively energizing armatures |04 or |05 and thus rotating stepped wheel I I in a counterclockwise or clockwise direction the control surface |40 may be stepwise rotated from its original position to any other desired position without first moving the rudder to a normal or inoperative position.

The number of positions to which rudder |40 may be set depends upon the number of solenoids |26 to |34 being nine in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5. The number of contacts ||3 and ||4 on stepped Wheel ||0 should correspond to the number of solenoids |26 to |34 used. It must, however, be taken in consideration that two contacts |50 are provided energizing solenoid |30- which sets rudder |40 to its center position. In the ground station the number of contacts 39 and 4| corresponds to the number of positions to which rudder |40 may be set.

It is also feasible to use an even number of dierent radio frequency signals for controlling a plurality of steering mechanisms. Every pair of radio frequency signals is utilized for controlling the movement of a rudder or the like. The radio transmitting station may be identical to the one shown diagrammatically in Fig. 1, provided, however, that two or more stations such as shown in Fig. 1 are used. Pulsers i6 and i1 ci each station generate a different radio rrequency.

radio frequency signals generated by the system of Fig. 1 are received by a receiving station shown diagrammatically in Fig. 9. The receiving station is substantially identical with the one shown in greater detail in Fig. 5. rl`wo steering mechanisms |60 and |6| are shown in Fig. 9.

Steering mechanism |60 is controlled by two ra1-v dio frequency signals received by antennae 62 and |63. The signals received by antenna 362 are received and detected by receiver |64, while the signals received by antenna |63 are detected by receiver |65. Receiver |64 controls two relays indicated at |66 which correspond to relays 36 and 96 of Fig. 5. Similarly, receiver $65 controls relays |61 which may correspond to relays 81 and 91 of Fig. 5. The two relays in turn control the steering control mechanism indicated at |68. Mechanism |68 corresponds to step-by-s'tep wheel H0 and to magnetic core i'i' of Fig. 5, controlled by wheel H0.

Rudder i6| is controlled in a similar manner by two sets of radio signals received by antennae ii' and H3, respectively. The signal received antenna H2 is detected and amplified by receiver ile which controls relays 51.76. Similarly, the signal received by antenna iid is received and detected by receiver ila controlling relays Relays iid and i'ii selectively control mechanism llt which is operatively connected with rudder iti. The device operates substantlally as described in connection with Fig. 5.

claim:

l. .in a radio transmitting station for the remote control of the steering mechanism of distant apparatus, two pulsers, each oi said pulsers including a solenoid, a source of electric current, means to selectively connect each oi said so enolds with said current source, a reciprocatable magnetic core within each of said solenoids and arranged to be attracted by said solenoid, a spring biasing said core against the attracting force of said solenoid, a rotatably mounted angle lever, said angle lever being arranged to be rotated by the impact of said core when said core is attracted by said solenoid, a spring biased lever on said angle lever adapted to move away from said angle lever a predetermined distance under the influence of its inertia when said angle lever isv rotated, a xed contact, another contact on said movable lever, said two contacts being adapted to Contact each other upon energization of said solenoid for a predetermined length of time.

2. In a system for the remote radio control of the steering mechanism of distant apparatus, a rotatably mounted stepped Wheel, means for frictionally breaking said stepped wheel, two armatures arranged to rotate said wheel step by step in either of two directions, means for attracting said armatures, two xed insulated contacts adjacent said wheel, two series of insulated contacts on said wheel spaced from each other, each of said series of contacts on said Wheel contacting one of said two xed contacts when said wheel is stepwise rotated, a plurality of solenoids, a current source, each of said contacts on said wheel being electrically connected with one of said solenoids, said fixed contacts being connected with said current source, whereby when one of said contacts on said wheel is connected with one of said fixed contacts one of said solenoids is energized by said current source.

3. In a system for the remote radio control of distant apparatus, a maneuvering mechanism, a rotatably mounted wheel, teeth on said wheel, .means for irictionally breaking said wheel, two armatures arranged for engagement with the teeth on said wheel, means ior selectively engaging one of said armatures with said teeth for rotating said wheel step by step at will in either of two directions, two n xed contacts, two series of insulated contacts on said wheel spaced from each other and adjacent to said teeth, each of said series of contacts on said wheel engaging with one of said two xed contacts when said wheel is rotated by said armatures, a plurality of solenoids, a source of electric current, each of said contacts on said wheel being electrically connected with one of said solenoids, said fixed contacts being connected with said current source, and means for controlling said maneuvering mechanism in response to the energization of said solenoids.

4. n a radio transmitting station for the remote control of the steering mechanism of distant apparatus, two pulsers, a source of electric current, two contacts, means for selectively con necting each 'of said pulsers with said current source, each of said pulsers comprising means including an impact actuated rotatable lever arranged for closing one of said contacts for a predetermined duration upon energization of the selected pulser, two means for producing electromagnetic energy of different frequencies, each of said two means ior producing electromagnetic energy being electrically connected with one of said contacts, whereby closing of one of said contacts energizes one of said last means for a predetermined duration.

5. A system for the remote control of a distant apparatus comprising a radio transmitting station including two pulsers, a source of electric current. two contacts, means for selectively connecting each of said pulsers with said source of current, each of said pulsers comprising means including an impact actuated rotatable lever for closing one of said contacts for a predetermined duration upon energization of the selected pulser, two means for producing electromagnetic energy of different frequencies, each of said last two means being electrically connected with one of said contacts, whereby closing of one of said contacts energizes one of said last means for a predetermined duration; and a receiving station in said distant apparatus including means for receiving radio signals of a predetermined duration and of two diiferent frequencies, a rotatable body, means for stepwise and selectively rotating said body in either of two opposite directions, said means for rotating said body being responsive to either of said two radio signals, a steering mechanism in said apparatus, and means for controlling said steering mechanism in dependence upon the position of said body.

6. A system for the remote control of a distant apparatus comprising a radio transmitting station including two pulsers, a source of electric current, two contacts, means for selectively connecting each of said pulsers with said source of current, each of said pulsers comprising means including an impact actuated rotatable lever for closing one of said contacts for a predetermined duration upon energization of the selected pulser, two radio frequency generators for producing radio signals of two diierent frequencies, each of said generators being connected with one of said contacts for energizing one of said two generators upon closing of one of said contacts; and a receiving station in said apparatus including means for receiving radio signals of two diierent frequencies produced by said two generators, two armatures, each of said armatures being selectively actuated by a radio signal ofone of said two frequencies, a rotatably mounted wheel, each of said two armatures being arranged to rotate said wheel in one of two different directions of rotation, sets of solenoids arranged coaxially to each other, a current source, said wheel having spaced means for selectively connecting one solenoid of a set with said current source to cause energization thereof depending upon the position of said wheel, a plurality of steering mechanisms in said apparatus, and means for controlling each of said steering mechanisms in response to the energization of one set of solenoids.

7. A pulser including a solenoid, a battery, an electric switch in circuit with said battery and said solenoid, a magnetic core arranged to be attracted by said solenoid and having a portion arranged to be projected away from said solenoid when said core is attracted by the magnetic force generated by said solenoid, a spring biasing said core against the attracting force of said solenoid, a rotatably mounted angle lever situated in the path of movement of said portion, whereby said angle lever is rotated by the impact of said portion when said core is attracted by said solenoid, a member on said angle lever rotatably connected therewith, a spring biasing said member against said angle lever, a, weight on said member, a contact on said member, and a xed contact arranged to be engaged for a predetermined length of time by the contact on said member when said angle lever is rotated, said member being adapted to move away from said angle lever a predetermined distance under the inuence of its inertia and against the action of its spring when said angle lever is rotated.

8. A radio operated system including a maneuvering mechanism, means for receiving and detecting radio signals of two diierent frequencies, said signals having a predetermined duration, a wheel mounted to rotate in opposite directions, means for stepwise and selectively rotating said wheel in either direction in response to either of said two radio signals, two xed con tacts adjacent said wheel, two series of spaced insulated contacts on said wheel, each of said series of contacts on said wheel contacting one of said two fixed contacts when said wheel is stepwise rotated, a plurality of solenoids arranged coaxially to each other, a current source in circuit with said fixed contacts, each of said contacts on said wheel being electrically connected with one of said solenoids to cause energization thereof in dependence upon the position of said wheel, and means for controlling said maneuvering mechanism in response to the energization of said solenoids.

9. A remote radio control system including a plurality of steering mechanisms, means for receiving and detecting a plurality of radio signals of an even number of diierent frequencies, each of said signals having a predetermined duration, a plurality of rotatable bodies, means for stepwise and selectively rotating each of said bodies in either of two directions in response to either of two of said radio signals of different frequencies, two fixed contacts arranged adjacent to each of said bodies, two series of spaced insulated contacts on each of said bodies arranged for cooperation with said xed contacts, sets of solenoids arranged coaxially to each other, a current source in circuit with said xed contacts, each of the contacts on one of said bodies being electrically connected with one solenoid of a set to cause energization thereof in dependence upon the position of its associated body, and means for controlling each of said steering mechanisms in riesponse to the energization of the solenoids of ase 10. A radio operated steering mechanism having at least one antenna for receiving radio signals of two diierent frequencies, means for detecting said radio signals, two relays, means including circuit connections for actuating each of said two relays in response to one of said radio signals of diierent frequencies, two armatures, each of said relays being arranged to attract one of said armatures, a stepped wheel, each of said two armatures being arranged adjacent said stepped wheel for stepwise rotation thereof in one of two directions, a plurality of solenoids arranged coaxially to each other, a magnetic core slidably arranged within said solenoids for linear displacement by the magnetic force generated by the energization of said solenoids, a current source in circuit with said solenoids, a fixed contactor means, and a switching mechanism on said stepped wheel arranged for cooperation with said contactor means for selectively connecting said current source with one of said sole noids in dependence upon the relative position of said stepped A wheel, said magnetic core being connected with said steering mechanism for the control thereof in accordance with the position of said stepped wheel.

11. In a system for the remote control of the steering mechanism of distant apparatus: a transmitting station comprising means for generating signals of an even number of different frequencies, said radio signals having a predetermined duration; a receiving station in said apparatus to be controlled, said receiving station including means for receiving and detecting each of said radio signals of dinerent frequencies; a

plurality of steering mechanisms in said apparatus; and a plurality of means, each for rotating step by step one of said steering mechanisms including a stepwise rotatable wheel controlled by said radio signals of two different frequencies. a current source, a plurality of solenoids arranged coaxially and in circuital connection with said current source, a xed contactar means, and a switching mechanism arranged for cooperation with said contactor means on said wheel for selectively connecting said current source with one of said solenoids in dependence upon the position of said wheel.

12. In a system for the remote radio control of the steering mechanism of distant apparatus; a transmitting station comprising means for generating radio signals of two different frequencies, said radio signals having a predetermined duration; a receiving station in said apparatus to be controlled, said receiving station including means for receiving and detecting each of said radio signais 0f diilerent frequencies; a steering mechanism in said apparatus; and means for stepwise rotating said steering mechanism in either of two diilerent directions, including a stepwise rotatable wheel controlled in response to said radio signals of two different frequencies, a current source, a plurality of solenoids arranged to coaxially and in circuital connection with said current source, a magnetic core arranged within said solenoids i'or linear displacement in response to the energization of one of said solenoids, two rlxed contacts adjacent said wheel, a plurality of spaced insulated contacts on said wheel a1'- ranged for cooperation with said fixed contacts, each of said contacts being in circuit with one of said solenoids for selectively connecting said current source withA one of said solenoids in dependence upon the position of said wheel, and means for connecting said magnetic core with said steering mechanism for the control thereof.

.Y KARL A. KOBEIZKY. 

